November 23, 2009

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20091123/NEWS03/911230333/1009/NEWS02/Murfreeesboro+man+faces+charges+in+drug+money+laundering+case

Five federal indictments were filed Friday against a Murfreesboro businessman accused of laundering nearly $500,000 in illegal drug dealing through the sale of cars, houses and interest in a Mississippi boxing promotion company.

James Christopher Rowland of New Salem Highway is accused of laundering money through Lowry Street Motors in Smyrna, houses at 347 Titans Circle and 1403 Teresa Lane and a stake in Prize Fight Promotions, court documents show. 

The five-count, 17-page document charges Rowland with conspiracy to conduct financial transactions using proceeds from unlawful activities. If convicted, Rowland faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $500,000. 

The Titans Circle home was seized in September 2007 when federal agencies raided the house, looking for a man who allegedly played a role in bringing cocaine and marijuana from Mexico to Middle Tennessee. Rowland owned the home. 

Rowland faces a federal trial on charges of unlawfully possessing a machine gun found at his South Church Street office in 2007. He is currently free on $100,000 bond from the gun charge and has until Dec. 2 to turn himself in to authorities for the new indictments. 

The U.S. attorney's office and Rowland's attorney could not be reached for comment Sunday.